EU Firmly Shuts Down Recognition Rumors, Reiterates Rejection of “RASD”

Brussels – June 27, 2025

The European Union has firmly reiterated its longstanding stance regarding the so-called “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic” (RASD), clearly stating that neither the EU nor any of its member states recognize this self-proclaimed entity. This confirmation came on Friday from the spokesperson for the EU’s External Affairs office, in response to efforts by separatist media to exploit the EU-African Union Ministerial Meeting taking place in Rome.

Recent attempts by pro-separatist outlets to frame the presence of “RASD” representatives at the summit as an EU endorsement were swiftly addressed by the EU spokesperson. He clarified that the joint EU-AU meetings are co-chaired and co-organized by both the European Union and the African Union, with each side solely responsible for inviting its own members.

“The modalities agreed upon for such meetings specify that each party is responsible for the invitation of its own members,” the spokesperson said. “Therefore, the African Union is solely responsible for the presence of this entity at the EU-AU ministerial meeting.”

He firmly denied any suggestion that the European Union had issued an invitation to the pseudo “RASD,” emphasizing once more that the EU’s position remains unchanged.

“Our stance is well-known and unequivocal,” he stressed. “Neither the European Union nor any of its member states recognize the so-called ‘RASD.’ Its presence at the ministerial meeting has no bearing whatsoever on our official position.”

This clear and direct statement aims to put an end to any confusion or manipulation regarding the EU’s policy on the Western Sahara issue. It also highlights the EU’s continued respect for international law and diplomatic protocol, countering any separatist narrative that seeks to claim political legitimacy through symbolic appearances.

As discussions continue in Rome between the EU and AU, the European Union has once again affirmed that its principles and diplomatic recognition policies are not up for reinterpretation or exploitation.